The River Mile
NPS/T. Stellhorn Aspen leaf at Spring Canyon The River Mile is a student inquiry approach to monitoring watershed health of the Columbia River and is designed to inspire students to learn more about STEM pathways. Kindergarten through 12th grade students engage in multi-discipline, multi-level, real world scientific research, data collection and analysis related to the Columbia River Watershed. Schools adopt a one mile section of the Columbia River or tributary and utilize it as their real world laboratory where they work with park staff and scientists to collect, analyze, interpret and share watershed health data. Students and teachers become intimately familiar with their mile by spending time in the field inventorying the site and, in collaboration with park staff and other scientists, monitor, analyze, investigate and research site discoveries. In schools where more than one grade participates, students are engaged in STEM learning over an extended period of time. Students build on previous knowledge and continue to grow in their understanding of watershed health over multiple grades. |
Did You Know?
A common rumor at Lake Roosevelt is that the National Park Service controls the lake level. This is not true. The lake level is controlled by Bureau of Reclamation computers that optimize lake levels for only five things: flood control, power production, irrigation, dam repairs, and salmon runs.